A New Take on Boot Camp

A New Take on Boot Camp

Boot camp. 5:30 in the morning. Pair those ideas together and perhaps you're thinking, "…Are you kidding? Group exercise, five days a week before the sun even rises?" David Krainiak, 35, smiles knowingly. "I'm wasnt a morning person at first but now Im addicted to getting up early," he admits, " I designed Michigan's Adventure Boot Camps for women. And with work and kids, 5:30 a.m. is the best time for the majority of women to work out." With an 80% return-rate, it looks like he has the right idea.

"I grew up in an athletic family. We did runs together and played sports," David explained. While competing in school sports he saw the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. Yet, when he'd go to gyms, he saw how intimidating they could be, especially to women. Michigan's Adventure Boot Camp is the only boot camp company with the expertise to work with all fitness and age levels certified by NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association). The instructors are certified to teach following the guidelines David established. "The idea is to work out and have fun," he stated. "There's no yelling or demeaning. You're never forced to do something, just encouraged to try." Exercises are modified for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. You might be sore after a session, but you won't be hurt or in pain. "The idea is to challenge yourself to make a difference," David continued. ‘It's not just exercise; it's lifestyle. We'll help you get the best results in the shortest time using exercise, nutrition and motivation." Participants receive daily e-mails with a challenge and tips on healthy eating. The morning's workout is detailed so that the women understand what they're doing and more importantly, why. "We want to educate women and make sure they get the most value. For years, exercise equipment companies have talked about spot reducing, and that's just not possible. However," he clarified, "you can tone and tighten to look and feel better."

Each boot camp runs five days a week for four weeks. In the summer they're held outside, moving inside when the weather doesn't cooperate. Right now, camps are forming in Novi and Royal Oak with additional camps scheduled to start later. Compared to a personal trainer, the sessions are reasonably priced at $299¾just $15 a day. Since the workouts take advantage of what's already in the environment such as benches, trees, curbs and hills, all you need to bring is a yoga mat and two 5-pound dumbbells. Each class starts with laps and socializing, followed by five minutes of dynamic warm up consisting of stretching with movement. The main workout might include games, circuits and partner drills. Music, designed for exercising, keeps everyone going. The hour ends with a cool down. And as the session progresses, it gets more challenging. However, "you won't be lifting huge tires or building bulk," David assures. "Toning, building strength and burning fat are the focus."

According to David, "Consistency is key. Make little, practical, sustainable changes and you'll see results. For example, cut out two soft drinks and day and in a year you can lose 30 pounds. Find things that work for you, and you can stick to it." David also offers shopping cart tours. He will meet you at the grocery store and you'll walk the aisles together to learn how to shop and read labels. And you'll find why stores place certain foods at eye level. To help get your kitchen in order, David will come to your home for a pantry/refrigerator raid where you'll take everything out, learn how to make better choices and organize your space to stock it more efficiently. One of his favorite sayings to emphasize the importance of exercise combined with good nutrition is, "Abs are made in the kitchen." You can't eat badly and expect great results, no matter how much you work out.

A testimonial from participant Kristin Daniels says it all. "Michigan's Adventure Boot Camp is honestly the best gift I have given myself. It is motivating, stimulating and challenging … everything my old routine lacked. It jumpstarts my day and I have met a wonderful group of women from all walks of life. I receive dedicated personal instruction - I couldn't ask for anything more in an exercise program. You need to do this for yourself."